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How to Use Natural Neem Oil for Flea and Tick Control on Dogs
How to Use Natural Neem Oil for Flea and Tick Control on Dogs
Monday, June 14, 2010 by: Susan Laverie Source: Natural News
Using neem oil for flea and tick control for dogs is different than for cats and preparations
have different quantities of active ingredients. Commercially available toxic pesticide
products are being advertised everywhere; although they may be fast and easy, they may
also be deadly to some animals. Using organic neem oil promotes healthy dogs by protecting
their livers against damage from poisons, their immune systems against neurotoxins, and
their skin against allergic reactions to commercial products. What follows are suggestions for
using natural neem oil as a natural flea and tick control for dogs.
The seemingly miraculous substance known as neem comes from the bark, leaves and oil of
the neem tree and has been used in India for centuries as a natural Ayurvedic remedy for a
multitude of ailments and preventatives. Neem oil promotes a shiny, healthy coat in animals,
a strong immune system and healthy skin. And lucky for us, it is a wonderful organic product
that can easily and safely be made into a natural flea and tick control mixture for pets. It's
safe for humans too - and it works, incredibly well on dogs, for flea and tick control.
Using Neem Oil as a Rub for Flea Control on Dogs
Place a few drops of neem oil on palms and simply rub hands through your pet's fur for
effective flea and tick control. Neem oil is best used this way for dogs, only, not for cats.
For sensitive dogs, dilute the neem oil 1:10 in a light carrier oil like almond or jojoba and rub
palms first. Then run hands thoroughly through the dog's coat for natural, effective flea and
tick control.
Organic Neem Oil Makes an Excellent Flea and Tick Spray
Prepare a general flea and tick spray by mixing 2.5 ml (1/2 ounce) of organic neem oil with
1-2 ml (1/4-1/2 ounce) of mild soap or detergent and .5 liter (2 cups) water. For a stronger
solution if there is a problem or the dog will be going into deep bug country, mix 5 ml neem
oil, 2 ml mild soap or detergent and .5 liter (2 cups ) water. Use warm, not hot, water to
dissolve the oil. Mix water and soap first and then slowly add neem oil for flea and tick
control. Add to sprayer and use immediately. Discard after use. Neem oil is unstable and
breaks down after 8 hours. Mix anew each time.
Make a Natural Flea and Tick Control Shampoo for Dogs from Neem Oil
Add neem oil into pet shampoo at a rate of 1-5 ml (roughly 1/2 ounce) for every 100 ml (8
ounces) of shampoo. Use the lesser amount for a preventative maintenance shampoo
adding more neem oil to the mix if the dog has an existing or severe infestation. Blend
shampoo well into the coat. It will leave an odor that will continue to repel unwanted pests.
Treat weekly or more often for effective flea and tick control for dogs and to catch all insects
in their various stages of development.
Tips:
Use only pure, 100% organic neem oil.
Be aware: neem oil smells terrible. But it works and it's safe for animals and humans.
Warnings
Caution is advised when using neem oil on animals that are breeders or about to be bred.
Use neem oil at half strength for flea and tick control.
Do not treat cats with concentrated neem oil that is left on the skin. Using neem leaf tea is far
safer for felines. See accompanying article for recipes for natural flea and tick control for
cats.
About the author
Susan Laverie is a freelance writer whose focus is on alternative healthcare, nutrition and
foods that heal and green living. Laverie has written articles for Homeopathy Today, The
American Homeopath, LiveStrong.com and Suite101.com, as well as elsewhere online. With
a passion for history and design, her hobby has been collecting and selling antique jewelry.
Having retired from practicing homeopathy and natural medicine for 25 years, Susan now
spends much of her time writing about health, nutrition and alternative methods for healing
body, mind and spirit.
Follow her at http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm... or on Facebook